Can and cover feeding mechanism



1 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR 1 Q WM BY A'ITORNEY,

Dec. 21, 1937. N. P. BACH CAN AND COVER FEEDING MECHANISM Filed May. 17, 1934 N. P. 'BAcl-i CAN AND. COVER FEEDING MECHANISM 1 Filed May 17, 1934 4 sheets-sheet 2 9 Z w 2, W Z6 0% 9 :kllLi U I ll 7. a x 9 x I I l l lu m 7 a JA fl 0 w l wa a J 0 J 2 J m u z a a 9 1 w 2 14; E) Ma ATTORNEYS Dec. 21, 1937;-

N. P. BACH I CAN AND 'SOVER FEEDING MECHANISM Filed May 17, 1934 4 Shets-Sheet 5 Dec. 21, 1937. N, pfs c 2,102,605

cm AND covma FEEDING MECHANISM Filed May 17, 1934 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR 7 I Arron'a'vs I Patented Dec. 21, 1937 g PATENT oFi-ics 2,102,605 can sun covaa rename MECHANISM Neils P. Bach, Geneva, N. Y., assignor to American Can Company, New York, N. Y... a corporation oi New Jersey Application May 17, 1934, Serial No. 726,165 12 Claims. (Cl. 113-414) and complementary can covers from separate '10 sources of supply and the bringing .together of these in superimposed relationship in a can closing machine or the like, and further contemplates the automatic control of such feeding by preventing the passage of a can if there is no correspondinc can cover.

An object of the present invention is the provision of detecting instrumentalities in a can and cover feeding mechanism for detecting the presence of cans and can covers simultaneously and while at separate detecting stations located in different places so that. a can without a corresponding cover will be arrested in its passage through the apparatus. I Another object ofthe invention is the provision of electric control devices in such can and cover feeding mechanism for stopping the operation of feeding in the event that a can is present without a corresponding cover, such devices being inoperative and the feeding actions uninterrupted no in the absence of both.

A further object of the invention is the provision of can and cover feeding mechanism comprising cover separating devices actuated by a passing can in the can feeding section for removing individual can covers from a magazine of'covers and for presenting the same to the cover feeding elements and also devices operating to stop the can and the cover feeding mechanism when there is a failure of feeding of a cover from the maga-' v zine and by the cover feeding elements Numerous other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent as it is better understood from the following description, which.

- taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment thereof.

Referring to the drawings: Figure l is a top plan. view of a mechanism embodying the present invention'parts being broken away;

Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially along the line 2--2 in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken substantially along the line .l-3 in F113. 1;

. transfer element for a double seaming machine Fig. 4 is a fragmentary section detail taken substantially along the broken line 4-4 in Fig. 3, parts being shown in elevation;

- Fig. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken substantially along the line 5-5 in Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is aplan sectional view taken substantially along the line .66 in Fig. 3;

Fig. '1 is a side elevationof one of the'can cover feeding elements;

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary plan sectional view taken substantially along the line 8-8 in Fig. 2 and showing the parts on a slightly larger'scale;

Fig. 9 is a-plan sectional view taken .substan'- tially along the line 9-9 in Fig. 3;

Fig. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view partly in section as viewed substantially along the broken line Iii-40 in Fig. 5;

Fig. 11 is a top plan view similar to Fig. 1 drawn to a larger scale and shown with parts removed;

Figs. 12, 13 and 14 are fragmentary sectional views taken respectively'and substantially along the lines IZ-IZ, i3--l3 and ill-ll in Fig. 11; and

Fig. 15 is a wiring diagram of the electric circuit utilized in the apparatus.

The apparatus illustrated in the drawings as a preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a fully automatic mechanism in which either cans having a bottom end or can bodies without ends are conveyed along the runway in timed order to a station A (Fig. 1). In the description and 30 claims that follow the word "can" will be used to refer to either cans or can bodies. At station A each can is introduced 'into the pocket of a revolving turret. This turret may. constitute a feed or or the like and is so considered in the present embodiment.

' Can covers are stored in a magazine at a station B (Fig. l) and the lowermost cover in the stack is individually separated by actuation of a no-can-no-cover device which is set in motion by a can. passing through a trip station C. If no can passes this station C no cover is released. The cover release mechanism can onlybe operated through the no-can-no-cover trip device, which in turn can only be operated by a can. Therefore, if there is no can, there can be no cover.

move down from above for each cycle of operation oi. the apparatus to detect the presence or ab -w sence of a cover at this station. In the event that a cover is present the detecting or testing action terminates and the can passes on to the station A. The cover is simultaneously removed from the station D and can and cover come into aligned relation at the station A where the cover enters into the top of the same pocket which receives.

the can.

In the event that there is a failure in the feeding of a can cover to the testing station D, when the cover detecting or testing devices move down from above, a can detecting or testing element is set in motion which is effective at a station E in the line of travel of the can. If there is a can in proper position at this station at such a time, then an electric control circuit is utilized to stop the entire operation of both can and cover feeding.

In the event, during any one cycle of operation of the apparatus, that there is no can and also no cover at the respective stations I] and D, the electric control device just referred to remains inoperative and the feeding action of both can and cover mechanisms continue to operate.

The mechanism herein shown in some detail as a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a frame 2| (Figs. 1 and 2) which is carried on .a base 22 of a double seaming or other suitable machine. The frame 2| is provided with a horizontal table 23 over which cans 24 are conveyed through the stations C and E and into the station A. 7

A chain conveyor 25 constitutes a feeding element for the cans 24 and is provided with spaced can engaging fingers 25, the upper run of the chain moving in a slot 21 out in the top of the table. In the machine end this chain passes over and is actuated by a sprocket 25 (Fig. 2) which may be suitably mounted and rotated.

Spaced guide bars 3| hold the cans 24 in line on the table. These bars are disposed on each side of the chain 25 and provide a direct line of passage for the cans. At station A the cans pass from the table and come into a ,revolving transfer turret unit 33.

Turret unit 33 is preferably formed by two. turret sections which are an upper turret 34 a (Fig. 2) having spaced can and cover receiving pockets 35 and a lower turret 35 having aligned can receiving pockets 31. Both turret sections are mounted on and keyed to a vertical shaft 42 journaled in an intermediate bearing 43 formed in the frame 2| and in a lower bearing 44 formed in the base frame 22. The shaft 42 may be considercd as a main.power shaft for the apparatus and is driven in any suitable manner as by driving connection applied through a gear 45 (Figs. 2 and 8) keyed to the shaft and located directly above the bearing 44.

The hub of the upper turret section 34 extends up and is reducedin size adjacent its top end as at 45 where it is journaled within a bearing 41 of a bracket 43 (Figs. 1 and 2) bolted to the top of the table 23. A locknut 49 is threadedly secured to the upper extremity of the turret hub.

The can covers, designated by the numeral are stored within a magazine indicated generally by the numeral 52 (Figs. 1, 5 and 11) and this magazine is carried on a cover plate 53 which in turn is carried by a housing 54 which rests upon and is secured to a' gear case". The gear case extends at the bottom into a tapered opening 5| (Fig. 5) formed centrally of a boss 52 which is an integral part of the cover plate 53. Vertically extending guide rods 53 are carried by the boss 52 and these rods retain the can covers in, stack formation within the magazine.

The stack of covers extending into the opening 5| is supported at one side on a stationary block 55 (see also Fig. 6) which is secured to the under side of the cover plate 53. Block 55 is formed with a circular pocket 55 in which a number of the lower can covers rest. A shoulder 51 formed in the block directly engages and supports the lowermost cover in the stack.

On the opposite side of the can covers, that is, diametrically across from the shoulder 51, the

lowermost cover rests upon an annular ridge 58 (Figs 5, 6 and 7) of a separator disc 59. This.

disc also constitutes an active element in the separation of a can cover from the stack when the no-can-no-cover trip device, previously referred to and located at station C, is actuated by apassing can. Disc 59 is secured to the top of a disc 'bo'dy 'II which is keyed to the upper end of a I by a gear train to the machine power shaft 42.

Gear I5 (Figs. 5 and 9) meshes with an idler Eear'll which in turn meshes with a second idler gear I8, the latter meshing with a third idler gear I9. The gears 11, I5, I9 are respectively mounted on stationary stub shafts 5| 82, 53. These shafts are supported. at their lower ends in the gear case 55 and at their upper ends in the housing 54.

Gear I9 meshes with 'agear 9| (Figs. 3 and 9) which is keyed to a vertical shaft 92. Shaft 92 is journaled in a bearing 93 formedin the top of the tubular housing 56, in a bearing 94 formed in the gearcase 55 and in a bearing 95 formed in a bracket 95. Bracket 98 is supported by'and is bolted to the gear case adjacent the bearing 94.

The shaft 92 is associated with the mechanism relating to the cover detecting or testing operation at station D as will be hereinafter fully described.

The lower. end of the shaft 92 extends down into the tubular housing 55 and is journaled in a bearing 95 (Figs. 3 and 8) which forms a part'of a bracket 99 projecting from the side wall of the housing. A gear IIII is carried on and is keyed to the end of the shaft 92. This gear meshes with an idler gear Ill4 mounted on a short stationary shaft. I95 held in a boss I95 formed in the frame 2|. Tliegear I04 meshes with and is rotated by the main power shaft turret gear 45.

Except when the lowermost cover 5| is being separated from the magazine it is supported, in

ported by the trip finger no separation of a cover The forward end of from the stack takes place. the finger 2* slides in a notch or recess II3 formed in a bar I I4 which is secured to the under side of the magazine boss 82. This mounting permits free sliding movement of the finger together with a slight rocking movement back and forth within the notch.

The opposite end of the finger H2 is pivoted to aioaaos an arm II! which is secured to the upper end of a vertical rock shaft I I3. This shaft extendscentrally of and has movement within the sleeve I2.

The shaft H6 is partially turned when a can 24 operates the no-can-no-cover trip device at station and this shifting of the shaft and the withdrawing of the finger II2 from the stack will now be more fully considered. I

A trip lever I2I (Figs. 1, 2 and 10) is mounted on the upper end of a rock shaft I22 carried in a boss I23 formed as an integral part and at the side of the table 23 adjacent the station 0. The lever I2 I is located between the table and the lower edge of the front guide bar 3| and its free end normally rests within the path of travel of the cans 24 being conveyed over the table by the chain 25. When a can engages, the lever durin its passage throughstation C, it forces the end of the lever back from the position of Figs. 1 and 10 thereby rocking the shaft I22.

A lever arm I25 is secured to the lower end of the rock shaft I22 and pivotally connects with a link I26 the opposite end of which pivotally connects with an arm I21 secured to the lower end of the shaft IIG. Turning of the shaft I22 is in this way @mmunicated to the shaft I I6 and the finger I I2 isifiithdrawn from its supporting position beneath the stack of can covers. The lowermost can cover is thereupon freed to be separated from the stack by the continuous rotation of the disc 33 with the rotating sleeve I2 in the following manner.

When the tongue III of the finger H2 is drawn back from beneath the lowermost can cover SI in the stack, the disc ridge 63 alone supports that side of the stack of covers. This ridge is not continuous and when the end of the flush part of the ridge moves from under the stack, with the rotation of. the disc head 'II and the disc 39 thereupon, the adjacent side of the stack drops and the lowermost cover moves down and away from the cover nextabove.

Ridge 63 extends substantially through 270 (Figs. 6 and 7) along the periphery of the disc and between the ends of the ridge the disc's edge iscut away or grooved in a setback peripheral wall Ill. The disc body II, on whichthe separator disc is mounted, is provided with a flange I32 which is located directly beneath the peripheral set-back wall of the disc and the upper surface of this'flange at one end extends upwardly in an inclined track I33.

Accordingly when the groove section I3I moves adjacent the edge of thelowermost can cover and when the stack lowers on that side the entire stack momentarily rests upon the flange I32. A separator knife edge I34 is formed in the periph- --ery of the. disc and is.at one endof thesridge 33. This knife edge enters between the two lower covers in the stack, 1. e., above the lowermost can I cover and beneath the can cover directly above it. This action lifts the latter and with it the stack of covers along that side. Rotation ofthe disc continues and the ridge II thereupon again picks up the weight of the stack on that side as before.

with the exception of the lowermost cover which is beneath.

This separation on one side of the lowermost cover from the stack of covers leaves the cut-out cover still on the upper surface of the flange I32. The flange I32 terminates at one end in an inclined surface I35. The flange supported side of the cut-out cover moves down this incline as the rotating disc body 33 brings the incline beneath the cover and this action tilts the cover to such a .clined surface I36 of an arcual projection I31 formed on the disc body.

This position of the separated cover is illustrated in Fig. and when so positioned one edge of the cover rests upon a cut-away or thinned end I38 of a guide bar I33 (see also Fig. 6) mounted in the housing 54. It is from this position that the cover is next moved along this guide bar into the testing station D.

Before proceeding with a consideration offurther movement of the separated cover, attention is directed again to the can trip lever I2I and parts associated with it. Unlike most devices of this character no springs are employed for returning the end of the lever into the can path after a moving can has passed following actuation of the trip lever. Instead a loose connection is had between the trip lever actuated parts and a positive restoring device, cam actuated which is formed and which operates in the following manner.

The arm I2'I carries a plate I4I which extends out beyond the arm as best illustrated in Fig. 10. In the positive return movement of the trip lever I2I, this plate is engaged and the arm I21 is moved back by the restoring device, this action shifting all connected trip parts.

' A lever arm I42 is provided as a part of this device and is pivotally mounted on a stud I43 which is carried in the lower end of a bracket I44 (Figs. 5, 6 and 10) bolted to a pad I45 formed on the gear case 55. The arm I42 carries a pin I46 on which a cam roller I41 is rotatably mounted.

This roller operates within a groove I48 formed inthe under face of a cam I49 which is keyed to and is continuously rotated by the sleeve I2. A

locknut I50 threadedly engaging the lower end of the sleeve holds the cam in position on the sleeve.

It is just after the can 24 has passed the trip in an actuated position after movement by a can. 'or by the cam I43 until it is again moved posi tively by the cam or can as the case may be. The

loose connection, it will be observed. refers to the independent mounting of the arms I21, I42 and involves the opening and closing of the distance between the plates I4l, ISI.

The further movement of the separated cover .toward the station D will now be considered. This movement of the cover begins in the inclined position shown in Fig. 5, with one of its edges resting onthe cutaway portion I38 of the guide bar I33 and withits opposite edge supported at a higher level on the shoulder 31 of the block 35. When in this position the cover is directly above a continuously rotating feed device which now comes into play to advance the cover along the guide bar I33 and to position it into the station D.

The rotating feed device comprises a disc III (Figs. 3, 5 and 6) which is secured to the top of a disc body I54 by screws I55. The disc body I34 extends down as a vertical depending shaft I32 which is iournaled in a bearing I33 formed in the bottom wall of the housing 54. The lower end of the shaft I33 projects beyond the end of the bearing I59 and carries a gear I5I which is keyed on a reduced diameter end of the shaft and the gear is held in place by a locknut I52. Gear I5I (see also Fig. 9) meshes with and is driven by the idler gear 18 and through this connection the disc I53 is rotated.

Disc I58 carries cover engaging elements formed integrally therewith. There are a pair of these elements which are'diametrically opposed and formed on the rim of the disc as elongated lugs I55. The front end of each lug is cut back or recessed at I55 and this recess merges into a groove I51 formed in the outer peripheral surface of the lug, the top boundary wall of recess and groove including a connecting inclined wall I88.

Rotation of the disc I53 brings the forward edge of the adjacent lug I55 into engagement with the edge of the separated cover and movement of the cover begins, the edge which rests on the shoulder 81 passing into a short downwardly inclined groove I58 formed in the block 55.

The opposite edge which is supported on the thinned end I88 of the guide bar I88 is simultaneously carried forward along a groove "I cut in the inner edge of the guidebar. The inclined groove I58 lowers that side of the cover during this movement so that by the time it reaches the station D, it is in a'horizontal position.

At the station D the guide bar groove I1I merges into a groove I15 formed in the wall of an oifset pocket I15. The advancing cover, entering the pocket I15 strikes against 9. lug I18 formed on the free end of a lever I18 and its movement is interrupted. Description of the lever I18 and its operation will be given in connection with the release of the cover from the station D which does not take place, however, until after the detecting operation.

Engagement of the lug I18 assisted by the continued movement of the disc lug I85 exerts a slight pressure on the cover edge which'squeezes it between its points of contact and moves it sidewise into the pocket I16, its adjacent edge seat- .ing within the groove I15. At the same time the opposite edge of the cover rolls around the front of the disc lug I passing into the recess I58. down under the inclined surface I58 and into the groove I51.

This lateral shifting of the cover removes it from the propelling influence of the lug I85 and disc I53 and the latter continues its rotation while the groove I51 of the disc passes by the now stationary cover. It is during this pause that the cover detecting operation takes place.

A plunger I8I (Figs. 3, 11, 13 and 14) is located at station D and yieldingly slides in a bearing I82 formed in the lower end of a tubular member I83 projected laterally from the side of a bracket I88.

Bracket I84 is secured to a vertically movable slide I85 which will be hereinafter explained.

Plunger I8I is formed with an enlarged head I85 and above this the plunger is reduced in diameter and its top end passes through a nut I 81 threadedly engaged in the top of the tubular member I88. A coiled spring I88 encircles this part of the plunger and is interposed between the nut I81 and the head I85, this spring being confined within the member. A horizontal pin I 8I extends through the plunger Ill and projects out from either side and these ends extend within diametrically opposed vertical slots I82 cut in the bearing I82 and prevent the: plunger from turnmg. The lower end of the plunger I8I is also reduced in diame er and carries a foot I88 on its lowermost extremity.

The plunger unit just described is periodically lowered. and raised by the slide I85 and passes Into the zone of rest of a cover pausing at the station D. The vertical edgespf slide I85 (Figs. 3, 11 and 14) are formed with projecting tongues I85 which slide within grooves I81 cut-into guide ways I88 forming a part of a tubular wall I88. This wall I88 is an enlarged upward extension of the bearing 85 and provides a housing for and encirclesa cam 28I keyed to a reduced upper end of the shaft 82. It is this cam that lowers and raises the plunger unit through the action oi a cam groove 282 on a roller 288 carried by the slide.

Cam "I Iscontinuously rotated with the shaft 82 and in each cycle of the cam movement the slide I85 moves down within its guideways and the plunger unit'lowers and its foot I88 enters the zone of rest of the cover 5|. If a cover is present in the pocket I15 at such a time the foot I88 engages and rests on the top of the cover. The downward movement of both foot and plunger I8I is accordingly arrested and the continued downward movement of the slide is then taken up by the spring I88. No further testing actions take place under such conditions.

In the event that there is no cover at the station D when the testing plunger I8I moves down, the plunger continues its further descent and sets in motion a can testing device effective at the station E. This actuation of the can testing device is brought about as follows.

A pair of locknuts 285 (Fig. 14) which are threadediy secured to the lower end of the plunger I8I move into engagement with and actuate a lever arm 285 in the latter part of the plunger stroke. These locknuts may be adjusted as desired and are locked on the plunger in such a position that as long as a cover stops the further movement of the plunger the nuts do not shift the lever arm. The am 288 is part of'a collar 281 (Figs. 1, 3, 11, 12, 13 and 14) which is secured to one end of a horizontal rock shaft 288 joumaled in depending bearings 288, 2 formed in the top of the housing cover'58.

The lever arm 285 in unactuated position is horizontal as shown in 'Fig. 14 and is so held with a stop lug 2I8 on the collar, 281 abutting against an adjustable setscrew 2I5 threadedly secured in a lug 2I5 projected from the top of the housing 58. These elements 2I8, 2I5 are retained in such engagement by a spring 2I8 (Fig. 11) stretched between a pin 2I8 depending from the under side of the housing cover 58 and a pin 22I secured in the shaft 288.

As the plunger I8I moves down and the nuts 285 engage and actuate the arm 288, the shaft 288 moves in a counter-clockwise direction (as viewed in Fig. 14) against the resistance of the spring 218. This actuates the can testing device which is controlled from the opposite end of the shaft adjacent the bearing 2I I.

The can testing device includes a lever 225 (Figs. 11 and 12) secured directly to the shaft and this lever carries a can detecting beam 228, the beam being formed with a vertical extension 221 at its center to provide for a pivot pin connection 228 with the lever. One end of a spring 28I is joined to the rear end of the beam 228 and its opposite end is embedded in a lug 282 projecting laterally from the lever 225. This spring normally holds the adjacent top edge of the beam against a pad 288 formed on the bottom of the lever. The lever 228 and beam 228 may till! be moved as aunit or the beam may be rocked on its pivot pin 228.

The'forward end of the beam 228 projects over the line of travel of the cans 24 and has vertical movement in a slot 235 (Figs. 11 and 12) formed .in a bracket 236 which in turn is bolted to the top of the housing cover 53.

The actuation of the shaft 288 just described moves the can testing lever and beam 225; 228 in a counter-clockwise direction (as viewed in Fig. 12) around the shaft as a centerand the forward end of the beam is lowered into the line of travel v actuates an electric switch to be described. Ac-

tuation of this switchworking through the electric control device previously mentioned immediately stops the operations of the entire mech'. anism as will now be fully explainedr The electric switch'is housed in a covered bracket 2 (Figs. 11 and 12) which is bolted to a boss 242 formed on theside of the housing cover 53. This bracket supports a switch lever 244 pivoted ,on a pin 245 mounted in lugs 248 projecting upwardly from the bottom of the bracket.

One end of the switch lever projects through. a slot 241 in the bracket and extends beneath the rear end of the beam 226. This end of the lever preferably terminates in an enlarged head 248 which carries an adjustable setscrew 248 the upper end of which is engaged when the electric switch is actuated. The opposite end of the switch lever 244 carries a mercury switch 251 having electric contact points that are electrically closed by a giobule of mercury in the usual manner.

The electric control device circuits are shown in the wiring diagram of Fig. 15 and reference should now be had to that figure. There are three separate circuits involved which may be designated as (1) a primary circuit,-(2) a secondary or motor circuit and (3) a shunt circuit. The primary circuit conveys electrical energy from a main source such as an electric generator 255 along awire 258 through'a service switch 251, through the winding of a solenoid 258 and back along a wire 258, in which alamp 28l may be included, through the service switch 251 and thence to the generator by a wire 282.

Current passing through this circuit energizes the solenoid 258' which in turn closes a contact switch 288 forming a part ofthe secondary'or motor circuit. In the motor circuit, current passes from the electric generator along a wire 284, through the switch 282,- a wire 285, and into a motor 288. From the other side of the motor the current flows b'ack to the generator along a.

wire 281.

The motor 288 as used in the present description is intended to indicate broadly any suitable driving force for the working parts of the apparatus,- Obviously such a driving force with its coordinatedconnections willvary in design according to the kind of power mechanism utilized, and no attempt ismade in the instant case to-' do other than merely suggest a driving element which will operate in the proper synchronism the various moving parts of the machine.

As long as the motor circuit is maintained closed, the motor 288 keepse mechanism operating, but when a can is det cted at the station E andthere is no corresponding cover at station D, then upon the actuation of the mercury switch 25l which follows the third or shunt circuit comes into play. Establishment of this shunt circuit nulliiies the motor circuit and causes the motor and mechanism to stop.

In the shunt circuit current passes from the generator and wire 258 along a wire 288 through the mercury switch 251,v which is then closed, along a wire 288 and back to the wire 258. This shu'nt circuit does not contain the resistance which is oflered by the winding of the solenoid 258 and accordingly when established "diverts current away from the solenoid which is thereupon deenergized. This permits the switch 288 to open, by spring or other well known automatic switch device, breaking the motor circuit.

During these testing or detecting operations at stations D and E the stop lug I18 of the lever 118 (Fig. 6) holds the cover against movement in the pocket I18 at the station D but as soon as the detecting period is over if the machine is not stopped the cover is released. To accomplish such a release the stop lug I18 is depressed or moved to a horizontal position below the cover.

Lowering of the stop lug 118- is eflfected primarily by a cam 211 (Figs. 1, 3 and 6) having a cam groove 212 out in its outer periphery, the cam being keyed to the upper end of the vertical shaft 82 adjacent to and just above the cam 281. The cam 211 is clamped in place on the shaft by a stud 213 threadedly secured in the shaft. end, a washer being interposed between the head of the stud and the cam. As the cam rotates its groove 212 imparts a vertical-reciprocating movement to a cam roller 214 (Fig. 4) which rides in the groove. I

Roller 214 is carried on a square head 215 formed in a vertical rod 210. This rod 2181s mounted in a bearing 211 formed in the vertical housing wall 188 and its square head slides in a squared recess 218 formed in the wall above the .rod bearing. This prevents turning of the rod the'edisc 158.. There are twoof, theseelements,

diametrically disposed on the disc and during the detecting operations, one .of these elements is' approaching the stationary cover, being advanced by the rotating Each feeding element comprises a finger 218 (Figs. 8 and 6) formed as a vertical projection on the outer end of a horizontal arm 288g-nd both arms extend laterally from the periphery of an annulus 281 which is mounted on the disc body I54 being clamped firmly in place by the disc I58. The approaching'flnger 218 engages and sweeps the cover onto! the pocket I18 and moves it along the groove of the guide bar 188.

Mention has already been made of the guide bar being supported in the housing 54. s The forward end of this bar is connected to alug 282- (Flgs. 1 and 11) formed in the cam housing 188 and the bar Intermediate its length, that is-adguide member 285 is enlarged in a circular annular section 281 which is mounted on and loosely surrounds the hub of the upper turret 34. This part of the guide member is bolted at 285 to the stationary bracket".

A groove 289 is provided in the inner vertical edge of the guide member 284 and provides a supporting track for one side of the cover 5|. This groove is in horizontal alignment with the groove I15 of the bar I35 and accordingly the cover passes without interruption from one to the other.

On the opposite side the cover is supported during its advancement in a groove 25I formed in the inner vertical .edge of the guide member 285 which in the present embodiment is a circular bar located concentrically to the turret shaft l2. One end of this guide bar is bolted to the housing 54 as at 282 (Figs. 1 and 6). This end of the bar also extends into the housing 54 and terminates adjacent the feed disc I53. Its groove 28I is in horizontal alignment with the disc groove I81 and accordingly the cover passes without interruption from one to the other.

A transverse groove 253 cuts across the inner end of the guide bar 285 and provides clearance for'the fingers 215 of the cover feeding elements.

Almost simultaneously with the transfer of the cover from the guide bar I38 and the disc I53 to the guide members 283, 285 and while still propelled by one of the fingers 215, the cover enters into an advancing pocket of the rotating turret 33. The cover passes into the upper part of the can and cover receiving pocket 35 still moving along the guide members and when it is fully seated in the pocket the finger sweeps on andv passes under the guide bar 285 and through the groove 283.

The cover receiving pocket 35 of the turret 33 is provided with a series of cover centering lugs 288 (Fig. 6) and a cover advancing lug 251. The advancing po ket in the action Just described first passes under the cover while cover and turret are moving at the same speed. and then the lug, passing through a space-between the ends of the guide bar I35 and the guide member 284, engages behind and picks up the cover. This advances it along its guideways while centeringv it in the pocket and against the centering lugs 255.

At this time both can and cover are approaching the station A' and the cover already in'the turret pocket moves above and in alignment with the can as the latter enters into the same turret pocket. At the station A this alignment is completed and from thereon can and cover are conveyed along in the same turret pocket, the cover being held above the can in spaced relation thereto.

After leaving the station A the rotating turret 33 may transfer the aligned can and cover to any suitable place depending on what subsequent operation machine is required. For the purpose of illustrating one way of disposing of the aligned cans and covers, uniting or sealing of the can and the cover is shown. Accordingly Fig. 2 of the drawings shows a lifter plate 255 of a seaming machine 258 and in this embodiment the turret 33 functions as a feeding element for theseama ing machine.

The can passes onto the lifter plate 258 and thereupon leaves the turret pockets 35, 31 and the, guide rail 3|. In like manner the cover leavesthe I guide members 285, 285, and in so doing the cover may pass down an inclined part of the guide and move directlyonto the top of the can, the centering lugs 255 and the advancing lug 251 keeping the parts sufllciently aligned until fully assembled.

It is thought that the invention and many of its attendant advantages will be understood from the foregoing description, and it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the parts without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention or sacrificing all of its material advan tages, the form hereinbefore described being merely a preferred embodiment thereof.

I claim:

1. In a mechanism for feeding can parts, the combination of. detecting instrumentalities located at a testing station for a can part, other detecting instrumentalities located at a second testing station for another can part, feeding devices for moving said can parts into their respective testing stations, and means associated with one of said instrumentaiities and effective on the failure of feeding of a can part into its testing station for operating the other of said detecting instrumentalities at the other station.

2. In a mechanism for feeding can parts, the

combination of detecting instrumentalities lo-v mentalities for stopping the operation of said mechanism when a can part is present at its testing station without the first mentioned can part being present at its testing station.

.3. In a can and cover feeding mechanism, the combination of a conveyor for moving cans through a can testing station, cover conveying means for moving covers through a cover testing station, can detecting means eifective at said can testing station for detecting the presence of a can, and yieidable means operatively connected to said can detecting means for detecting the presence of a cover at said cover testing station and in the absence of said cover for directly actuating said can detecting means. I

4. In a-can and cover feeding mechanism, th combination of a conveyor for moving can bodies through a can testing station, cover conveying means for moving covers through a cover testing station, independent means for detecting the presence of a said can body and its corresponding cover at their respective stations, and electric means associated with said detecting means and controlled from said cover testing station for stopping the operation of said conveyor and "said III conveying means when a can body is present at said can testing station without a corresponding cover being present at said cover testing station.

5. In a can and cover feeding mechanism, the combination of a conveyor for moving can bodies through a can testing station, cover conveying means for moving covers'through a cover testing 1 station, independent means for detecting the presence of a said can body and its corresponding cover at their respective stations, and electric means associated with said detecting means for stopping the operation of said conveyors when a can body is present at said can testing station without a corresponding cover being present at said cover testing station, said detecting means for said can being operative independently of and not afiecting said electric means when a can body is absent from said can testing station.

6. In a can and cover feeding mechanism, the combination of. a conveyor forf moving cans through a can testing station, a cover magazine for holding can covers in stacked formation, means actuated by a can in said can conveyor for releasing a cover from said magazine, cover conveying means for moving a said released cover along a path of travel to and through a cover testing station, means for temporarily retaining a said cover at said cover testing station, and interconnected means for detecting the presence of a said can and a said released cover at their respective stations, the means for detecting the presence of a can at said can testing station being directly actuated by said cover detecting means in the absence of a cover at said cover testing station.

'1. In a can and cover feeding mechanism, the combination of a conveyor for moving cans through a can testing station, a cover magazine for holding can covers in stacked formation, means actuated by a can in said can conveyor for releasing a cover from said magazine, cover conveying means for moving a said released cover along a path of travel to and through a cover testing station, means for temporarily retaining a said cover at said cover testing station, interconnected means for detecting the presence of a said can and a said released cover at their respective stations, one of said detecting means being actuated by the other in the absenceof a can part at one of said testing stations, and means for further conveying said cover into axial alignment with said can for a subsequent operation.

8. In a can and cover feeding mechanism, the combination ofa conveyor for moving cans through'a can testing station, a cover magazine for holding can covers in stacked formation, means actuated by a canin said can conveyor for releasing a cover from said magazine, means for restoring said can actuated means into positionv for actuation by a subsequent can moving with said can conveyor, cover ,conveying means for moving a said released cover along a path of travel through a cover testing station, and interconnected means for detecting the presence of a a said can and a said released cover at their respective stations, the means for detecting the presence of a can at said can testing station being actuated by said can cover detectingv through a can testing station, a cover magazine for holding covers in stacked formation, cover separating devices, trip devices for normally supporting said stack of covers against, separaseparating devices eflective to separate a said cover, means for feeding said separated cover in a path of travel toward said moving cans and through a cover testing station, means for detecting the presence of a separated cover at said cover'testing station, and means for detecting the presence of a can at said can testing station, one of said detecting means being actuated by the other in the absence of a can part at one of said testing stations.

10. In a can and cover feeding mechanism, the combination of a continuously moving conveyor for moving cans through a can testing station, a cover magazine for holding covers in stacked formation, cover separating devices for individually removing covers from said stack, means for feeding said separated cover in two stages through a cover testing station in a path of travel toward said moving cans, means for temporarily holding said cover at said cover testing station, and means for detecting the presence of said cover while it is held at said cover testing station, said detecting, means having an interconnected part actuated in the absence of said cover to further detect the 'presenceof a moving can during its passage through said can testing station.

11. In a can and cover feeding mechanism for a double seaming machine, the combination of moving a said released cover along a path of travel to. and through a cover testing station and into said double seamer, interconnected means. operable at said cover testing station for detecting the presence of a said can and a said released cover at their respective stations, the means for detecting the presence of said can body being directly actuated to engage a said can body 4 at its testing station by the movement of said cover detecting means, and means associated with said double seamer for further conveying said cover into axial alignment with said can for a subsequent operation.

12. In a can and cover feeding mechanism, the combination. of a conveyor for. moving cans through a can testing station, cover conveying means for moving covers througha cover testing station, operatively connected means for detecting the presence of a cover-and can at their said stations respectively; the movement of said cover detecting means in the absence of a cover at the cover testing station, actuating said can detecting means to move the latter into the path of a can at the can testing station.

Ngns P. EACH. 

